Two days of international climate talks in Washington ended on Monday with India’s energy minister claiming that a “trust deficit” still remains between poor nations and rich countries led by the U.S.

The conference wasn’t expected to produce any breakthroughs – and the top American negotiator cautioned against unrealistic expectations.

But parties said the 17-nation talks produced a foundation for more intense multi-lateral negotiations at year’s end in Cancun, Mexico, according to the State Department’s special climate envoy Todd Stern.

India’s Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh, along with several other environmental ministers, was unable to attend the Major Economies Forum due to the Iceland’s volcanic ash cloud, which has shut down travel through European airspace.

But Ramesh got his message across, via teleconference, telling attendees that major economies must commit to “reducing the huge trust deficit that prevails in the climate change negotiating community,” according to The Hindu newspaper.

India, China and representatives from other developing nations pressed for a “two-track” agreement during the climate conference in Copenhagen last December – hoping to lock richer countries into generous compensation deal for poorer polluters while keeping emissions restrictions flexible.

Stern, speaking to reporters on Monday afternoon, brushed aside the criticism as part of an ongoing dialogue and a “welcomed India’s presentation on practical approaches” to transparency in emissions reporting.

Stern also reiterated the Obama administration’s commitment to developing nations, highlighting the White House’s request for Congress to fund $3.2 billion in international climate financing over the next two years.

Stern who was at the center of the topsy-turvy – and ultimately inconclusive Copenhagen talks last, which produced non-binding emissions disclosure benchmarks, told reporters not to expect too much heading into this winter’s big meeting.

“I do think expectations got ahead of reality,” said Stern. “I think there’s no question that globally expectations got out ahead of reality and that’s not useful.”